Who we are:

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all – a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values we pride ourselves to be listed among the World´s Most Ethical Companies since 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do – acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation and treating each other with trust and respect.

The Role

Implementation of a brand vision and strategy of masterbrand(s), subbrand(s) and category in order to deliver a robust, cross functionally and globally aligned 3-5 year product initiative calendar including all relevant marketing mix elements meeting long term net sales and profit goals.

This is a full-time, fixed-term maternity cover until 30 September 2025. The role is based in Darmstadt (hybrid working model).

What you will do

Execute global strategy with dedicated 3-5 years New Product Development (NPD) master plan for all regions (EMEA, AM, ASIA) Execute aligned NPD plans and brand strategy with internal and external stakeholders for the short- and midterm planning Ensure NPD master plan delivers against global net sales and profit targets, support Senior Brand Manager to adjust in case of miss. Development of global product concepts and execution of the entire Marketing Mix. Execution of business analyses (sales, profitability, etc.). Market monitoring & evaluation and competitor analyses (e.g. assessment of data, interpretation of developments, identification of business opportunities). Responsible for insight generation: analysis of stylists and salon clients Initiation of market research projects and interpretation of the results Management, coordination and supervision of projects in respective areas of responsibility, in collaboration with internal stakeholders (e.g.R&D, SCM,…). Managment of budget. Managment of agencies. Develop communication /brand image campaigns together with Creative & Communication and ensure all masterbrand / subbrand requirements are met

What you will need

University degree/Master in Business Management with a focus on Marketing Several years of professional experience in Brand Management - preferably in beauty / global product management Ability to lead assigned multifunctional project teams. Ability to manage conflicting parties (Global, Regional, Local, Project Team including RD, GSC, Legal, etc.) and achieve alignment Conceptual, strategical and analytical skills, capability of abstract reasoning and creative thinker Good technical understanding and high affinity for the product group / hair cosmetics sector Highly self-motivated, results-oriented and entrepreneurial Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English

How we work: Having been selected among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.

What we offer: A friendly and flexible work environment with competitive salaries, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

Hiring Process: Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community.

Want to learn more: If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us please visit https://www.kao.com/emea/en/

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